Opioid addiction is a very serious matter; many people become dependent on an opioid’s ability to create euphoric feelings and to relieve pain. While this type of drug is meant to be distributed medicinally for pain reduction, many use it as a recreational drug that can become very dangerous to their health.

Drugs found in the opioid category include heroin and prescription-pain relievers like OxyContin, codeine and fentanyl. Although many users know the dangers of using these drugs improperly, in 2015 there were more than 20,000 deaths related to prescription painkillers and almost 13,000 deaths related to heroin use.

For those who are trying to rid themselves of their opioid addiction, treatment options vary. Not one option fits all, and it takes time for the effects to become permanent. The following are some of the options to consider when you’re looking for opioid addiction forms of treatment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a combination treatment that mixes cognitive and behavioral therapy to fight drug addiction and/or other mental health disorders.

It is a goal-oriented approach, which works to correct unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and turn them into optimistic, effective attitudes to promote positive change. Patients generally work one-on-one with a therapist, which helps to create a program that is unique to the needs of the individual.

12-Step Programs

Initially created by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, the 12-step program has flourished to help individuals with all kinds of addictions.

Each individual must make their way through the 12 steps of the program, only moving forward when they have completed the previous step to its full extent. Language used in the program emphasizes the presence of God, as each individual sees him and their relationship with him.

The steps include recognizing the addiction, making the decision to change, making amends with people the addict has hurt and so on, until they have reached the last step.

Motivational Incentives

This kind of addiction treatment aims to make treatment more attractive to users, by offering positive reinforcement when constructive steps are made. This is often an ideal form of treatment when the individual is having a hard time conforming to other options.

For opioid addicts, they may have to provide a urine sample or have a drug test done on-site, to ensure that they’re staying on the program. Immediate incentives should be provided, such as gift cards, vouchers, etc.

Psychotherapy

Not every user understands why or how they became addicted to an opioid. With psychotherapy, users can meet one-on-one with a therapist to recognize why they use, and what kind of situations increase their likelihood of using.

Meetings are set up consistently, so that therapists can assess the progress of their patient, and whether or not their individualized treatment is helping. This approach is a means of talking through problems, and having the user open up about their drug use and personal issues.

Conclusion

Opioid addiction forms of treatment are often the most successful if they are used in combination. Individuals who are fighting an addiction should keep in mind that they may need to try a few different options, before they find the combination of treatments that work best for them.

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